Reviews for One Act Plays - Easton Royal - 25th June

The PVADS on Tour team performed 2 plays at Easton Royal to help raise funds for their village hall refurbishment fund.

Putting on the plays in a strange venue with limited access from the 'wings' (a porch!!) and a level stage of fairly restricted proportions presented a real challenge for all the actors involved. Robert Bottoms also had limited facilities for lighting but once again reproduced a great atmosphere for the actors.

Thanks go to everyone else involved especially to Martin Clifton and his camper van changing room/ catering van!

The final performance of the Youth Theatre play "A Dog's Life" (thank goodness I hear the cast cry!) was very well received. All the cast put in another slick performance bringing out the comedy and pathos to the very responsive audience.

Lottie Damper gave a good performance of the excitable puppy, Ginger, and was quite the favourite with the children. Chris Pocock, although a little quiet at times, has brought some lovely touches to Fritz. His facial expressions and hand movements portraying the boredom and superiority of the army dog. Kate Powell added more movement to her role as Fifi to suit the level stage - which was both refreshing and perfectly apt for the languid, dreamy French Poodle.

Special mention must go to Steve Clements who ably filled the role of Ben with only 2 rehearsals with the rest of the cast!! He managed to bring a tear or two to many an eye. Heather Talbott and Poppy Salter were convincing in their roles as Warden and prospective dog owner - they did particularly well to maintain control when the children laughed raucously when Ben the dog bit Poppy!

"Babysitting Calvin" had the mixed audience of adults and children roaring with laughter. Darren Little's performance as the 'Baby' complete with a large teddy bear baby-grow was marvellous. His timing and well observed mannerisms of a 10 month old baby showed again the range of his versatility.

The slap stick scenes between the baby and the slimy Bob, played by Andy Vowles, were a treat to watch. Special thanks have to go to Andy who arrived earlier in the day barely able to walk due to a bad back, through sheer force of will he managed to overcome the pain to put in a sterling performance. Perhaps having baby food, milk and beer thrown over you helps alleviate medical symptoms??

Jane Cuff played a very convincing babysitter and indignant girlfriend, managing to build up the argument scene into a fast paced exchange of insults. Alex Cuff as the baby's mother, Katie, handled a long phone call with her mother with just the right emotions of frustration and restrained anger. The relationship between Katie's sexy friend Donna, played by Heather Talbott, and Katie was much more convincing than previous performances.

Review from Nettie Powell

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